DSLR lenses

[pboerger]

If I buy a DSLR, and of course the needed lenses, am I forever tied to that brand by the lenses, or are there adapters that allow, for example, a lens for a Nikon to be used on a Canon?

[amazingthailand]

There are some adapters available to adapt brand A lenses to brand B bodies, but you will lose all automated features of the lens. ie: no autofocus or aperature control. So the lenses must be used manually.

There are adapters for nikon to canon, I believe. There are others too, but the loss of automation usually makes this not worthwhile.

I think you may be able to get the mounts on third party lenses like Sigma, changed by the manufacturer. But the cost of such a conversion usually makes this not worthwhile.

So the bottom line is that if you buy into a camera system, you are locked into that mount. This is why it is important to make such a purchase carefully, as you do not want to be changing systems.

Personally, I have owned Nikon since the early 70's.

[peripatetic]

Yes, you're buying into a lens system more than a body.

Mounts to adapt lenses to fit will usually work, but you do lose all automation.

It's fairly common to see people use legendary lenses like the Zeiss 21mm for landscape work on Nikon and Canon bodies.

[pboerger]

Thanks folks. I had a feeling that was the case. You really are commiting to a brand. I will make DSLR purchase with that very much in mind.